(19)
(11) EP 1 993 702 B2

(12) NEW EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION
After opposition procedure

(45) Date of publication and mentionof the opposition decision:
02.11.2022 Bulletin 2022/44

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
28.03.2018 Bulletin 2018/13

(21) Application number: 07701158.3

(22) Date of filing: 12.01.2007
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B01D 45/14(2006.01)
B04B 5/12(2006.01)
B04B 7/02(2006.01)
B04B 7/12(2006.01)
B04B 5/08(2006.01)
F01M 13/04(2006.01)
B04B 11/02(2006.01)
B04B 11/06(2006.01)
(52) Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
B01D 45/14; B04B 5/12; B04B 7/02; B04B 7/12; B04B 11/02; B04B 11/06; B04B 2005/125; F01M 2013/0422
(86) International application number:
PCT/SE2007/050010
(87) International publication number:
WO 2007/094724 (23.08.2007 Gazette 2007/34)

(54)

CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATOR

ZENTRIFUGALABSCHEIDER

SEPARATEUR CENTRIFUGE


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

(30) Priority: 13.02.2006 SE 0600311

(43) Date of publication of application:
26.11.2008 Bulletin 2008/48

(73) Proprietor: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
221 00 Lund (SE)

(72) Inventors:
  • BORGSTRÖM, Leonard
    S-135 42 Tyresö (SE)
  • CARLSSON, Claes-Göran
    S-146 36 Tullinge (SE)
  • RIDDERSTRÅLE, Rolf
    S-117 31 Stockholm (SE)
  • SKOOG, Jan
    S-142 43 Skogäs (SE)

(74) Representative: Alfa Laval Attorneys 
Alfa Laval Corporate AB Patent Department P.O. Box 73
221 00 Lund
221 00 Lund (SE)


(56) References cited: : 
EP-A1- 0 340 087
EP-A1- 1 745 833
WO-A1-2005/032723
FR-A1- 2 317 967
FR-A1- 2 666 031
FR-A2- 2 267 153
GB-A- 186 631
JP-A- 2003 080 114
SE-C2- 505 471
US-A- 2 031 734
US-A- 5 637 217
US-A1- 2004 040 442
EP-A1- 0 553 022
WO-A1-2004/024297
DE-C- 224 425
FR-A1- 2 378 555
FR-A1- 2 714 850
FR-A2- 2 305 237
JP-A- H11 141 802
SE-B- 454 954
US-A- 1 006 622
US-A- 3 234 716
US-A- 5 851 396
US-B1- 6 821 319
   
       


    Description


    [0001] The present invention refers generally to a centrifugal separator for cleaning of gases from liquid impurities such as oil particles and oil mist. More specifically, the invention refers to a centrifugal separator according to the pre-amble of claim 1.

    [0002] SE-C-523690 discloses such a centrifugal separator, which is intended for cleaning of a gas containing liquid impurities in the form of oil particles and/or oil mist. The gas outlet for the cleaned gas extends in the known centrifugal separator from a lower part of the separation space. Immediately above the gas outlet, there is a shield element forming an annular surface extending into the separation space. Above the shield element at a distance therefrom, there is a number of outlet holes for discharge of the separated oil from the separation space. The separated oil is caught by the inner wall of the separation space and flows downwardly towards the outlet holes. Downstream the shield element, there is also an annular end surface in the proximity of the gas outlet.

    [0003] The liquid impurities, for instance oil, which deposit on or are present in a layer close to such annular surfaces, will be conveyed radially inwardly towards the center of the separation space on the surface due to the fact that the rotation of the gas flow in this layer is decelerated by the friction against the nonrotating surface. It is therefore difficult to discharge the liquid impurities from the separation space.

    [0004] EP-A1-1 745 833, which is cited in accordance with Art. 54(3), EPC, discloses a centrifugal separator for cleaning of a gas containing liquid impurities, wherein the centrifugal separator comprises
    • a stationary casing, which encloses a separation space and has an inner wall surface which faces the separation space, wherein the separation space permits flowing of the gas therethrough,
    • an inlet for the gas to be cleaned,
    • a rotating member in the form of a fan, which is provided in the separation space downstream the inlet with respect to the gas flow and arranged to rotate in a direction of rotation around an axis of rotation, wherein the rotating member is adapted to bring the gas to rotation in the direction of rotation,
    • a gas outlet, which with respect to the gas flow is provided downstream the rotating member for discharge of the cleaned gas, and
    a first liquid outlet, which is provided for discharge of the separated liquid impurities,
    wherein the separating space comprises an annular surface, which extends between the rotating member and the inner wall surface, and is configured to transport liquid impurities radially outwardly towards the first liquid outlet.

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



    [0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a centrifugal separator, which in an efficient manner is capable of separating liquid impurities from a gas. Furthermore, it is aimed at a centrifugal separator, which has a simple construction and which ensures that separated liquid impurities located on the annular surface are transported out from the separation space.

    [0006] This object is achieved by the centrifugal separator initially defined, which is characterized in that the annular surface is configured to transport liquid impurities radially outwardly to the first liquid outlet. By configuring the surface in such a way, the liquid impurities present on the surface may by means of the gas flow be brought to move outwardly towards the first liquid outlet.

    [0007] Further, according to the invention, the centrifugal separator comprises a number of guide elements provided on the annular surface and arranged to promote said transport. By means of the guide elements, the liquid impurities will, thanks to the influence from the gas flow in the separation space, be conveyed outwardly towards a larger diameter and thus to the inner wall surface and the second liquid outlet. Said guide elements are, seen radially outwardly, directed forwardly in the direction of rotation. Thanks to such inclined, or in relation to a radial direction sloping elements, liquid impurities, both on the upstream side and the downstream side of the guide elements in relation to the direction of rotation and the gas flow, will be conveyed outwardly towards the first liquid outlet.

    [0008] According to a further embodiment of the invention, said guide elements are substantially straight seen in the direction of the axis of rotation. The guide elements may advantageously also be curved seen in the direction of the axis of rotation.

    [0009] According to a further embodiment of the invention, said guide elements are configured as ribs, which extend upwardly from the annular surface. Alternatively, said guide elements may be configured as grooves, which extend downwardly from the annular surface.

    [0010] According to a further embodiment of the invention, each guide element has a first radially inner end and a second radially outer end, wherein the radially outer end is located in the proximity of but at a distance from the inner wall surface so that a radially outer passage is formed between the inner wall surface and the radially outer end. In such a way, the separated liquid impurities, which reach the inner wall, will flow on the annular surface along the inner wall surface until they reach an outlet of the first liquid outlet.

    [0011] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the radially inner end is located in the proximity of but at a distance from an annular inner end of the annular surface so that a radially inner passage is formed between the annular inner end and the radially inner end. Advantageously, the annular inner end of the annular surface may be defined by an upwardly projecting surrounding surface, for instance a substantially cylindrical surface. Liquid impurities, which are transported inwardly by the gas flow on the annular surface, will then flow along this passage until they are caught by one of the guide elements and may be conveyed outwardly towards the first liquid outlet.

    [0012] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the annular surface is conical and inclined outwardly and downwardly.

    [0013] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first liquid outlet comprises an annular collecting channel, which extends around the separation space radially outside the inner wall surface. Advantageously, the first liquid outlet may comprise at least one outlet hole, which extends between the separation space and the collecting channel and which adjoins the annular surface.

    [0014] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the centrifugal separator is arranged to be provided in such a way that the axis of rotation extends substantially vertically, wherein the stationary casing has an upper end and a lower end and wherein the first liquid outlet is provided at the lower end. The annular surface may then form a lower end surface of the separation space.

    [0015] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the gas outlet is provided in the proximity of the upper end.

    [0016] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the rotating member comprises a number of separating discs.

    [0017] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the centrifugal separator comprises also a second liquid outlet, which is provided upstream the gas outlet and downstream the first liquid outlet for discharge of separated liquid impurities and which comprises at least one outlet hole. By means of such a further liquid outlet, it is possible to collect the liquid impurities, which are transported on the inner wall surface towards the gas outlet. Advantageously, the first liquid outlet forms a main outlet and a second liquid outlet a residual outlet, wherein a main part of the liquid impurities will flow along the inner wall surface down to the second liquid outlet. A probably smaller part of the liquid impurities will due to the upwardly flowing gas flow be transported upwardly along the inner wall surface to the first liquid outlet. By such an arrangement, a proper separation of substantially all liquid impurities from the gas to be cleaned is ensured as well as a completely clean gas, which will leave the centrifugal separator via the gas outlet.

    [0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the centrifugal separator comprises a surrounding ring groove, which extends outwardly from the inner wall surface in the stationary casing and has a surrounding bottom surface, wherein the outlet hole extends outwardly from the bottom surface. By means of such a ring groove, which extends outwardly from the wall surface, i.e. into the wall of the stationary casing, liquid impurities flowing along the inner wall surface will be caught. The liquid impurities move at a relatively high speed in a rotating path along the direction of rotation. The liquid impurities will be collected in the ring groove and flow in the direction of rotation in the ring groove.

    [0019] According to a further embodiment of the invention, also the second liquid outlet comprises an annular collecting channel, which extends around a separation space radially outside the ring groove. In such a way, the separated liquid impurities, which thereafter can be conveyed away from the centrifugal separator by means of one single conduit, will be collected in an easy and convenient manner. Advantageously, the outlet hole of the second liquid outlet may extend between the ring groove and the collecting channel so that the liquid impurities flowing in the direction of rotation in the ring groove in an easy way can be discharged to the annular collecting channel.

    [0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the ring groove has a first limiting wall, which extends downstream the bottom surface between the bottom surface and the inner wall surface, wherein the outlet hole of the second liquid outlet has an upper point located at the level of the first limiting wall. It is thus ensured that all liquid impurities flowing in the ring groove will be discharged through the outlet hole to the annular collecting channel. Advantageously, the first limiting wall may extend substantially in parallel with a radial plane.

    [0021] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the ring groove has a second limiting wall, which extends upstream the bottom surface between the bottom surface and the inner wall surface. Advantageously, the second limiting wall is inclined in relation to a radial plane.

    [0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the centrifugal separator comprises at least one guide vane, which is provided to guide the flow of the separated liquid impurities through the outlet hole of the second liquid outlet. Advantageously, the guide vane may extend through the outlet hole of the second liquid outlet, wherein the liquid impurities in an efficient manner are conveyed through the outlet hole and into the annular collecting channel. The guide vane may advantageously extend in at least one direction which is inclined outwardly and forwardly in relation to a tangent of the direction of rotation at the outlet hole of the second liquid outlet.

    [0023] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the outlet hole of the second liquid outlet has in relation to the direction of rotation a forward limiting surface and rearward limiting surface, wherein at least one of these limiting surfaces extends in a direction which is inclined outwardly and forwardly in relation to a tangent of the direction of rotation at the outlet hole of the second liquid outlet.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0024] The invention is now to be explained more closely through a description of various embodiments disclosed by way of example and with reference to the drawings attached hereto.
    Fig 1
    discloses a vertical section through a centrifugal separator according to the invention.
    Fig 2
    discloses a cross section along the line II-II in Fig 1.
    Fig 3
    discloses a cross section along the line III-III in Fig 1.
    Fig 4
    discloses a view from inside the centrifugal separator towards an outlet hole of a liquid outlet of the centrifugal separator in Fig 1.
    Fig 5
    discloses a section from above through the outlet hole in Fig 4.
    Fig 6
    discloses an axial section through a liquid outlet of the centrifugal separator in Fig 1.
    Fig 7
    discloses a section through a guide element in the form of a rib of a surface in the centrifugal separator in Fig 1.
    Fig 8
    discloses a similar section through a guide element in the form of a groove.

    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS



    [0025] Fig 1 discloses a centrifugal separator for cleaning of a gas containing liquid impurities, for instance oil in the form of oil mist or oil particles, and possibly solid particles. The centrifugal separator comprises a stationary casing 1, which encloses a substantially closed separation space 2. The casing 1 has an inner wall surface 3, which faces the separation space 2. The separation space 2 is arranged to permit the gas to flow therethrough.

    [0026] The centrifugal separator also comprises a rotating member 4, which is provided in the separation space 2 and arranged to rotate in a direction r of rotation around an axis x of rotation, which also forms a centre axis through the casing 1. The centrifugal separator is provided in such a way that the axis x of rotation extends substantially vertically so that the stationary casing 1 has an upper end 1' and a lower end 1".

    [0027] The rotating member 4 comprises a spindle member 5, which is journalled in the casing 1 in the proximity of the upper end 1' by means of a bearing 6, and a number of separating discs 7. In the embodiment disclosed, the separating discs 7 are conical and extend obliquely downwardly and outwardly from the spindle member 5. The invention is also applicable to rotating members having completely radial separating discs or separating discs extending in axial planes from the spindle member 5. The rotating member 4 is driven by means of a drive member 8, for instance an electrical motor, and is adapted to bring the gas to rotation in the direction r of rotation for separating, by means of centrifugal forces, the liquid impurities from the gas.

    [0028] In the embodiment disclosed, the centrifugal separator also comprises an inlet 9 for the gas to be cleaned, a gas outlet 10 for the cleaned gas, a second liquid outlet 11 for the separated liquid impurities and a first liquid outlet 12 for the separated liquid impurities.

    [0029] The inlet 9 is centrally provided and extends through the lower end 1" of the casing 1. The inlet 9 conveys the gas into a central space 15 of the rotating member 4. From this central space 15, the gas is conveyed radially outwardly to the gaps formed between the separating discs 7. The gas outlet 10 is provided at the upper end 1' of the casing 1 downstream the rotating member 4. The gas leaving the gaps between the separating discs 7 thus rotates at a high rotary speed in the direction r of rotation and will continue this rotating movement upwardly to the gas outlet 10 where the cleaned gas leaves the separation space 2.

    [0030] The second liquid outlet 11 is provided upstream the gas outlet 10 and downstream the rotating member 4 with respect to the gas flow. The first liquid outlet 12 is provided at the lower end 1" of the casing 1 and upstream the second liquid outlet 11 with respect to the gas flow. In the embodiment disclosed, the first liquid outlet 12 forms a main outlet, which is adapted for discharge of a main part of the liquid impurities, and the second liquid outlet 11 a residual outlet, which is adapted for discharge of substantially all residual liquid impurities. It is to be noted that the separated liquid impurities may contain solid particles which are discharged via the liquid outlets 11 and 12.

    [0031] The centrifugal separator comprises a surrounding ring groove 19, which extends outwardly from the inner wall surface 3 and into the wall of the stationary casing 1. The ring groove 19, see Fig 6, has a surrounding bottom surface 20. The bottom surface 20 extends substantially in parallel with the axis x of rotation. The ring groove 19 also has a first, upper limiting wall 21, which extends downstream the bottom surface 20 between the bottom surface 20 and the inner wall surface 3. The first limiting wall 21 extends substantially in parallel with a plane being radial in relation to the axis x of rotation. The ring groove 19 also has a second, lower limiting wall 22, which extends upstream the bottom surface 20 between the bottom surface 20 and the inner wall surface 3. The second limiting wall 22 is inclined in relation to a radial plane, and more precisely radially outwardly and upwardly from the inner wall surface 3. The ring groove 19 is in the embodiment disclosed provided immediately below the gas outlet 10 at the level of an upper part of the rotating member 4. More precisely, the ring groove 19 is located at the level of the uppermost separating disc 7 and somewhat above the outlet of the gap formed between the two uppermost separating discs 7.

    [0032] Furthermore, the centrifugal separator comprises an annular collecting channel 25, which extends around the separation space 2 radially outside the ring groove 19 in a peripheral direction. In the embodiment disclosed, the collecting channel 25 extends in the wall of the stationary casing 1 at the level of the ring groove 19.

    [0033] The second liquid outlet 11 comprises at least one outlet hole 26, which extends outwardly from the bottom surface 20 and forms a passage between the ring groove 19 and the collecting channel 25. In the embodiment disclosed, three such outlet holes 26 are provided between the ring groove 19 and the collecting channel 25. It is to be noted that the centrifugal separator may comprise another number than the disclosed three outlet holes 26, for instance 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 or more outlet holes 26. Furthermore, each such outlet hole 26 has in the embodiment disclosed an upper point located below the first limiting wall 21, see Fig 4.

    [0034] Each outlet hole 26 has, in relation to the direction r of rotation, a forward limiting surface 27 and a rearward limiting surface 28, see Fig 5. At least one of these limiting surfaces 27, 28 extends in a direction, which is inclined outwardly and forwardly in relation to a tangent of the direction r of rotation at the outlet hole 26 concerned. In the embodiment disclosed, both the forward limiting surface 27 and the rearward limiting surface 28 are inclined in such a direction.

    [0035] Each outlet hole 26 also comprises a guide vane 29, which is provided to guide the flow of the separated liquid impurities through the outlet hole 26. Such a guide vane 29, which is disclosed more closely in Fig 4, extends through the outlet hole 26 and more precisely from an inner end at the level of the inner wall surface 3 to an outer end located in the collecting channel 25. Each guide vane 29 extends at least in one direction, which is inclined outwardly and forwardly in relation to a tangent of the direction r of rotation at the outlet hole 26. Furthermore, each guide vane 29 has in the embodiment disclosed a first inner part 29', which has a more radial inclination outwardly than a second outer part 29" of the guide vane 29. It is to be noted that the centrifugal separator also may comprise guide vanes having another configuration and another location for guiding the flow of liquid impurities towards and through the outlet holes 26. Especially, the centrifugal separator may comprise one or several guide vanes 30, which are located upstream the outlet hole 26 seen in the direction r of rotation. The guide vanes 30 are provided on the second inclined limiting wall 22 and are inclined obliquely upwardly in the direction r of rotation. Furthermore, there may be a guide member 31, which also is located upstream the outlet hole 26, but provided on the bottom surface 20. The guide member 31 extends along the height of the whole bottom surface 20 and is inclined forwardly and downwardly in the direction of rotation. The guide member 31 may be configured as a groove, or as a projecting guide element. The guide member 31 may also be configured in such a way that it merely comprises one limiting surface, which extends inwardly from the bottom wall 20 whereafter the bottom wall 20 very slowly again reaches its peripheral level.

    [0036] The first liquid outlet 12 also comprises an annular collecting channel 40, which extends around the separation space 2 radially outside the inner wall surface 3. Furthermore, at least one outlet hole 41 is provided so that it extends between the separation space 3 and the collecting channel 40. In the embodiment disclosed, there are two such outlet holes 41, see Fig 2. It is to be noted that the centrifugal separator may comprise another number than the disclosed two outlet holes 41, for instance 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more outlet holes 41. The first liquid outlet 12, i.e. the outlet holes 41 are provided at the lower end 1".

    [0037] As can be seen in Fig 1, the annular collecting channel 25 of the second liquid outlet 11 is connected to the annular collecting channel 40 of the first liquid outlet 12 via at least one connecting channel 42, which in the embodiment disclosed extends substantially in parallel with the axis x of rotation. It is of course possible to provide more than one such connecting channel 42. From the annular collecting channel 40 also at least one discharge conduit 43 extends for discharge of the separated liquid impurities from the centrifugal separator.

    [0038] The centrifugal separator also comprises an annular surface 50, which extends between the rotating member 4 and the inner wall surface 3. The annular surface 50 is configured to transport liquid impurities radially outwardly. In the embodiments disclosed, the annular surface 50 forms a lower annular end surface of the separation space 2, which extends between the rotating member 4 and the inner wall surface 3. The annular surface 50 is designed to transport liquid impurities radially outwardly to the first liquid outlet 12. The annular surface 50 is in the embodiment disclosed slightly conical and inclined outwardly and downwardly, see Fig 1. It is to be noted, however, that the annular surface 50 also may be substantially plannar or even inclined somewhat outwardly and upwardly.

    [0039] Furthermore, the centrifugal separator comprises a number of guide elements 51, which are provided on the annular surface 50 and arranged to promote the transport of the liquid impurities outwardly towards the inner wall surface 3 and the outlet holes 41. The guide elements 51 are, seen radially outwardly, directed forwardly in the direction r of rotation. The guide elements 51 may be straight or, as in the embodiment disclosed, curved. In the embodiment disclosed, the centrifugal separator has six guide elements 51. It is to be noted that more or less such guide elements 51 may be provided on the annular surface 50. The outlet holes 41 adjoin the annular surface 50, i.e. the outlet holes 41 have a lower end located at the level of the lower end surface at its radially outer periphery.

    [0040] In the embodiment disclosed, the guide elements 51 are configured as ribs, which extend upwardly from the annular surface 50, see Fig 7. The guide elements 51 may then have a height from the annular surface 50 that it as least approximately 1 mm. The guide elements 51 may also be configured as grooves extending downwardly from the annular surface 50, see Fig 8. Also in this case, the guide elements 51 may have a height or a depth of at least approximately 1 mm from the annular surface 50. In the embodiment disclosed, there is also a small gap at least between the radially outer end of the guide elements 51 and the inner wall surface 3 so that the liquid impurities may flow freely on the annular surface 50 along the inner wall surface 3 to one of the outlet holes 41.

    [0041] Each guide element 51 has a first radially inner end 51' and a second radially outer end 51". The radially outer end 51" is located in the proximity of but at a distance from the inner wall surface 3 so that a radially outer passage is formed between the inner wall surface 3 and the radially outer end 51', see Fig 2. The radially inner end 51' is located in the proximity of but at a distance from an annular inner end of the annular surface 50. The annular inner end of the annular surface 50 is defined by an upwardly projecting surrounding surface 52, which for instance may be substantially cylindrical or cylindrical. In such a way, a radially inner passage is formed between the annular inner end and the radially inner end 51' of each guide element, see Fig 2.

    [0042] The centrifugal separator disclosed may for instance be used for cleaning of gas containing oil in the form of oil particles and/or oil mist. The gas to be cleaned may then be conveyed via the inlet 9 to the space 15. Due to the rotation of the rotating member 4, the gas will also be sucked into the gaps between the separating discs 7, wherein oil will be attached to these discs 7 and due to the centrifugal force transported outwardly on the discs 7. The oil then leaves the discs 7 and is thrown against the inner wall surface 3. The oil will then flow downwardly on the inner wall surface 3 to the annular surface 50 and the first liquid outlet 12 where the oil will flow out through the outlet holes 41 into the collecting channel 40. A part of the oil, which hits the inner wall surface 3, will due to the gas flow from the rotating member upwardly to the gas outlet 10, be transported upwardly along the inner wall surface 3. This oil will flow down into the ring groove 19 and be conveyed into the collecting channel 25 via the outlet holes 26. From the collecting channel 25, the separated oil is then transported down to the collecting channel 40. All separated oil is thus transported to this collecting channel 40, and from there out from the centrifugal separator via the discharge conduit 43.

    [0043] The invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims. It is to be noted that the invention is applicable to all annular surfaces extending between the inner wall surface 3 and the rotating member 4 and not only on the lower end surface of the separation space 2.


    Claims

    Claims for the following Contracting State(s): AT, BE, CH, DK, ES, GR, IT, LI, LU, MC, NL, SE

    1. A centrifugal separator for cleaning of a gas containing liquid impurities, wherein the centrifugal separator comprises

    - a stationary casing (1), which encloses a separation space (2) and has an inner wall surface (3) which faces the separation space (2), wherein the separation space permits flowing of the gas therethrough,

    - an inlet (9) for the gas to be cleaned,

    - a rotating member (4), which is provided in the separation space (2) downstream the inlet (9) with respect to the gas flow and arranged to rotate in a direction (r) of rotation around an axis (x) of rotation, wherein the rotating member (4) is adapted to bring the gas to rotation in the direction (r) of rotation for separating, by means of centrifugal forces, at least a main part of the liquid impurities from the gas,

    - a gas outlet (10), which with respect to the gas flow is provided downstream the rotating member (4) for discharge of the cleaned gas, and

    a first liquid outlet (12), which is provided for discharge of the separated liquid impurities,

    wherein the separating space (2) comprises an annular surface (50), which extends between the rotating member (4) and the inner wall surface (3), wherein

    the annular surface (50) is configured to transport liquid impurities radially outwardly to the first liquid outlet (12),

    characterized in that the centrifugal separator comprises a number of guide elements (51) provided on the annular surface (50) and arranged to promote said transport, and wherein said guide elements (51) seen radially outwardly are directed forwardly in the direction (r) of rotation.


     
    2. A centrifugal separator according to claim 1, characterized in that said guide elements (51) are substantially straight seen in the direction of the axis (x) of rotation.
     
    3. A centrifugal separator according to claim 1, characterized in that said guide elements (51) are curved seen in the direction of the axis (x) of rotation.
     
    4. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said guide elements (51) are configured as ribs extending upwardly from the annular surface (50).
     
    5. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of claims 1-3, characterized in that said guide elements (51) are configured as grooves extending downwardly from the annular surface (50).
     
    6. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that each guide element (51) has a first radially inner end (51') and a second radially outer end (51"), wherein the radially outer end (51") is located in the proximity of but at a distance from the inner wall surface (3) so that a radially outer passage is formed between the inner wall surface (3) and the radially outer end (51").
     
    7. A centrifugal separator according to claim 6, characterized in that the radially inner end (51') is located in the proximity of but at a distance from an annular inner end of the annular surface (50) so that a radially inner passage is formed between the annular inner end and the radially inner end (51').
     
    8. A centrifugal separator according to claim 7, characterized in that the annular inner end of the annular surface (50) is defined by an upwardly protecting surrounding surface (52).
     
    9. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular surface (50) is conical and inclined outwardly and downwardly.
     
    10. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first liquid outlet (12) comprises an annular collecting channel (40), which extends around the separation space (2) radially outside the inner wall surface (3).
     
    11. A centrifugal separator according to claim 10, characterized in that the first liquid outlet (12) comprises at least one outlet hole (41), which extends between the separation space (3) and the collecting channel (40) and which adjoins the annular surface (50).
     
    12. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifugal separator is arranged to be provided in such a way that the axis (x) of rotation extends substantially vertically, wherein the stationary casing (1) has an upper end (1') and a lower end (1") and wherein the first liquid outlet (12) is provided at the lower end (1").
     
    13. A centrifugal separator according to claim 124, characterized in that the annular surface (50) forms a lower end surface of the separation space (2).
     
    14. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotating member (4) comprises a number of separating discs (7).
     
    15. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifugal separator also comprises a second liquid outlet (11), which is provided upstream the gas outlet (10) and downstream the first liquid outlet (12) for discharge of separated liquid impurities and which comprises at least one outlet hole (26).
     
    16. A centrifugal separator according to claim 15, characterized in that the first liquid outlet (12) forms a main outlet and the second liquid outlet (11) forms a residual outlet.
     


    Claims

    Claims for the following Contracting State(s): DE, FR, GB

    1. A centrifugal separator for cleaning of a gas containing liquid impurities, wherein the centrifugal separator comprises

    - a stationary casing (1), which encloses a separation space (2) and has an inner wall surface (3) which faces the separation space (2), wherein the separation space permits flowing of the gas therethrough,

    - an inlet (9) for the gas to be cleaned,

    - a rotating member (4), which is provided in the separation space (2) downstream the inlet (9) with respect to the gas flow and arranged to rotate in a direction (r) of rotation around an axis (x) of rotation, wherein the rotating member (4) comprises a number of separating discs (7) and is adapted to bring the gas to rotation in the direction (r) of rotation for separating, by means of centrifugal forces, at least a main part of the liquid impurities from the gas,

    - a gas outlet (10), which with respect to the gas flow is provided downstream the rotating member (4) for discharge of the cleaned gas, and

    a first liquid outlet (12), which is provided for discharge of the separated liquid impurities,

    wherein the separating space (2) comprises an annular surface (50), which extends between the rotating member (4) and the inner wall surface (3), wherein

    the annular surface (50) is configured to transport liquid impurities radially outwardly to the first liquid outlet (12),

    characterized in that the centrifugal separator comprises a number of guide elements (51) provided on the annular surface (50) and arranged to promote said transport, and wherein said guide elements (51) seen radially outwardly are directed forwardly in the direction (r) of rotation.


     
    2. A centrifugal separator according to claim 1, characterized in that said guide elements (51) are substantially straight seen in the direction of the axis (x) of rotation.
     
    3. A centrifugal separator according to claim 1, characterized in that said guide elements (51) are curved seen in the direction of the axis (x) of rotation.
     
    4. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said guide elements (51) are configured as ribs extending upwardly from the annular surface (50).
     
    5. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of claims 1-3, characterized in that said guide elements (51) are configured as grooves extending downwardly from the annular surface (50).
     
    6. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that each guide element (51) has a first radially inner end (51') and a second radially outer end (51"), wherein the radially outer end (51") is located in the proximity of but at a distance from the inner wall surface (3) so that a radially outer passage is formed between the inner wall surface (3) and the radially outer end (51").
     
    7. A centrifugal separator according to claim 6, characterized in that the radially inner end (51') is located in the proximity of but at a distance from an annular inner end of the annular surface (50) so that a radially inner passage is formed between the annular inner end and the radially inner end (51').
     
    8. A centrifugal separator according to claim 7, characterized in that the annular inner end of the annular surface (50) is defined by an upwardly protecting surrounding surface (52).
     
    9. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular surface (50) is conical and inclined outwardly and downwardly.
     
    10. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first liquid outlet (12) comprises an annular collecting channel (40), which extends around the separation space (2) radially outside the inner wall surface (3).
     
    11. A centrifugal separator according to claim 10, characterized in that the first liquid outlet (12) comprises at least one outlet hole (41), which extends between the separation space (3) and the collecting channel (40) and which adjoins the annular surface (50).
     
    12. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifugal separator is arranged to be provided in such a way that the axis (x) of rotation extends substantially vertically, wherein the stationary casing (1) has an upper end (1') and a lower end (1") and wherein the first liquid outlet (12) is provided at the lower end (1").
     
    13. A centrifugal separator according to claim 12, characterized in that the annular surface (50) forms a lower end surface of the separation space (2).
     
    14. A centrifugal separator according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centrifugal separator also comprises a second liquid outlet (11), which is provided upstream the gas outlet (10) and downstream the first liquid outlet (12) for discharge of separated liquid impurities and which comprises at least one outlet hole (26).
     
    15. A centrifugal separator according to claim 146, characterized in that the first liquid outlet (12) forms a main outlet and the second liquid outlet (11) forms a residual outlet.
     


    Ansprüche

    Patentansprüche für folgende(n) Vertragsstaat(en): AT, BE, CH, DK, ES, GR, IT, LI, LU, MC, NL, SE

    1. Zentrifugalabscheider zum Reinigen eines Gases, enthaltend flüssige Verunreinigungen, wobei der Zentrifugalabscheider Folgendes umfasst:

    - ein stationäres Gehäuse (1), umschließend einen Abscheideraum (2) und aufweisend eine innere Wandfläche (3), welche dem Abscheideraum (2) zugewandt ist, wobei der Abscheideraum das Strömen von Gas hierdurch ermöglicht,

    - einen Einlass (9) für das zu reinigende Gas,

    - ein Drehglied (4), welches im Abscheideraum (2) im nachgelagerten Bereich des Einlasses (9) in Bezug auf die Gasströmung bereitgestellt und zum Drehen in eine Drehrichtung (r) um eine Drehachse (x) angeordnet ist, wobei das Drehglied (4) dazu geeignet ist, das Gas zur Rotation in die Drehrichtung (r) zum Abscheiden von mindestens einem Hauptteil der flüssigen Verunreinigungen aus dem Gas durch Zentrifugalkräfte zu bringen,

    - einen Gasauslass (10), welcher in Bezug auf die Gasströmung im nachgelagerten Bereich des Drehgliedes (4) zum Ablassen des gereinigten Gases bereitgestellt ist, und

    - einen ersten Flüssigkeitsauslass (12), welcher zum Ablassen der abgeschiedenen flüssigen Verunreinigungen bereitgestellt ist,

    wobei der Abscheideraum (2) eine ringförmige Fläche (50) umfasst, welche sich zwischen dem Drehglied (4) und der inneren Wandfläche (3) erstreckt, wobei

    die ringförmige Fläche (50) konfiguriert ist, um flüssige Verunreinigungen radial auswärts zum ersten Flüssigkeitsauslass (12) zu transportieren,

    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zentrifugalabscheider eine Anzahl von Führungselementen (51) umfasst, welche an der ringförmigen Fläche (50) bereitgestellt und dazu angeordnet sind, den Transport zu fördern, und wobei die Führungselemente (51) radial nach außen betrachtet in der Drehrichtung (r) nach vorne gerichtet sind.


     
    2. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Führungselemente (51) in Richtung der Drehachse (x) betrachtet im Wesentlichen gerade sind.
     
    3. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Führungselemente (51) in Richtung der Drehachse (x) betrachtet gekrümmt sind.
     
    4. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Führungselemente (51) als sich von der ringförmigen Fläche (50) aufwärts erstreckende Rippen konfiguriert sind.
     
    5. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Führungselemente (51) als sich von der ringförmigen Fläche (50) abwärts erstreckende Rillen konfiguriert sind.
     
    6. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jedes Führungselement (51) ein erstes radial inneres Ende (51') und ein zweites radial äußeres Ende (51") aufweist, wobei das radial äußere Ende (51") in der Nähe, jedoch entfernt von der inneren Wandfläche (3) befindlich ist, sodass ein radial äußerer Kanal zwischen der inneren Wandfläche (3) und dem radial äußeren Ende (51") gebildet wird.
     
    7. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das radial innere Ende (51') in der Nähe, jedoch entfernt von einem ringförmigen inneren Ende der ringförmigen Fläche (50) befindlich ist, sodass ein radial innerer Kanal zwischen dem ringförmigen inneren Ende und dem radial inneren Ende (51') gebildet wird.
     
    8. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das ringförmige innere Ende der ringförmigen Fläche (50) durch eine aufwärts schützende, umgreifende Fläche (52) definiert ist.
     
    9. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die ringförmige Fläche (50) konisch und auswärts und abwärts geneigt ist.
     
    10. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der erste Flüssigkeitsauslass (12) einen ringförmigen Sammelkanal (40) umfasst, welcher sich um den Abscheideraum (2) radial außerhalb der inneren Wandfläche (3) erstreckt.
     
    11. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der erste Flüssigkeitsauslass (12) mindestens ein Auslassloch (41) umfasst, welches sich zwischen dem Abscheideraum (3) und dem Sammelkanal (40) erstreckt und welches an die ringförmige Fläche (50) grenzt.
     
    12. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zentrifugalabscheider so angeordnet ist, um in solcher Weise bereitgestellt zu werden, dass die Drehachse (x) sich im Wesentlichen vertikal erstreckt, wobei das stationäre Gehäuse (1) ein oberes Ende (1') und ein unteres Ende (1") aufweist und wobei der erste Flüssigkeitsauslass (12) am unteren Ende (1") bereitgestellt ist.
     
    13. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 124, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die ringförmige Fläche (50) eine untere Endfläche des Abscheideraums (2) bildet.
     
    14. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das rotierende Element (4) eine Anzahl von Trennscheiben (7) umfasst.
     
    15. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zentrifugalabscheider ebenfalls einen zweiten Flüssigkeitsauslass (11) umfasst, welcher im vorgelagerten Bereich des Gasauslasses (10) und im nachgelagerten Bereich des ersten Flüssigkeitsauslasses (12) zum Ablassen von abgeschiedenen flüssigen Verunreinigungen bereitgestellt ist und welcher mindestens ein Auslassloch (26) umfasst.
     
    16. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der erste Flüssigkeitsauslass (12) einen Hauptauslass bildet und der zweite Flüssigkeitsauslass (11) einen Restauslass bildet.
     


    Ansprüche

    Patentansprüche für folgende(n) Vertragsstaat(en): DE, FR, GB

    1. Zentrifugalabscheider zum Reinigen eines Gases, enthaltend flüssige Verunreinigungen, wobei der Zentrifugalabscheider Folgendes umfasst:

    - ein stationäres Gehäuse (1), umschließend einen Abscheideraum (2) und aufweisend eine innere Wandfläche (3), welche dem Abscheideraum (2) zugewandt ist, wobei der Abscheideraum das Strömen von Gas hierdurch ermöglicht,

    - einen Einlass (9) für das zu reinigende Gas,

    - ein Drehglied (4), welches im Abscheideraum (2) im nachgelagerten Bereich des Einlasses (9) in Bezug auf die Gasströmung bereitgestellt und zum Drehen in eine Drehrichtung (r) um eine Drehachse (x) angeordnet ist, wobei das Drehglied (4) eine Anzahl an Abscheidescheiben (7) umfasst und dazu geeignet ist, das Gas zur Rotation in die Drehrichtung (r) zum Abscheiden von mindestens einem Hauptteil der flüssigen Verunreinigungen aus dem Gas durch Zentrifugalkräfte zu bringen,

    - einen Gasauslass (10), welcher in Bezug auf die Gasströmung im nachgelagerten Bereich des Drehgliedes (4) zum Ablassen des gereinigten Gases bereitgestellt ist, und

    einen ersten Flüssigkeitsauslass (12), welcher zum Ablassen der abgeschiedenen flüssigen Verunreinigungen bereitgestellt ist,

    wobei der Abscheideraum (2) eine ringförmige Fläche (50) umfasst, welche sich zwischen dem Drehglied (4) und der inneren Wandfläche (3) erstreckt,

    wobei die ringförmige Fläche (50) konfiguriert ist, um flüssige Verunreinigungen radial auswärts zum ersten Flüssigkeitsauslass (12) zu transportieren,

    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zentrifugalabscheider eine Anzahl von Führungselementen (51) umfasst, die auf der ringförmigen Fläche (50) bereitgestellt und angeordnet sind, um den Transport zu fördern, und wobei die Führungselemente (51) radial nach außen betrachtet in der Drehrichtung (r) nach vorne gerichtet sind.


     
    2. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Führungselemente (51) in Richtung der Drehachse (x) betrachtet im Wesentlichen gerade sind.
     
    3. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Führungselemente (51) in Richtung der Drehachse (x) betrachtet gekrümmt sind.
     
    4. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Führungselemente (51) als sich von der ringförmigen Fläche (50) aufwärts erstreckende Rippen konfiguriert sind.
     
    5. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Führungselemente (51) als sich von der ringförmigen Fläche (50) abwärts erstreckende Rillen konfiguriert sind.
     
    6. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jedes Führungselement (51) ein erstes radial inneres Ende (51') und ein zweites radial äußeres Ende (51") aufweist, wobei das radial äußere Ende (51") in der Nähe, jedoch entfernt von der inneren Wandfläche (3) befindlich ist, sodass ein radial äußerer Kanal zwischen der inneren Wandfläche (3) und dem radial äußeren Ende (51") gebildet wird.
     
    7. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das radial innere Ende (51') in der Nähe, jedoch entfernt von einem ringförmigen inneren Ende der ringförmigen Fläche (50) befindlich ist, sodass ein radial innerer Kanal zwischen dem ringförmigen inneren Ende und dem radial inneren Ende (51') gebildet wird.
     
    8. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das ringförmige innere Ende der ringförmigen Fläche (50) durch eine aufwärts schützende, umgreifende Fläche (52) definiert ist.
     
    9. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die ringförmige Fläche (50) konisch und auswärts und abwärts geneigt ist.
     
    10. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der erste Flüssigkeitsauslass (12) einen ringförmigen Sammelkanal (40) umfasst, welcher sich um den Abscheideraum (2) radial außerhalb der inneren Wandfläche (3) erstreckt.
     
    11. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der erste Flüssigkeitsauslass (12) mindestens ein Auslassloch (41) umfasst, welches sich zwischen dem Abscheideraum (3) und dem Sammelkanal (40) erstreckt und welches an die ringförmige Fläche (50) grenzt.
     
    12. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zentrifugalabscheider so angeordnet ist, um in solcher Weise bereitgestellt zu werden, dass die Drehachse (x) sich im Wesentlichen vertikal erstreckt, wobei das stationäre Gehäuse (1) ein oberes Ende (1') und ein unteres Ende (1") aufweist und wobei der erste Flüssigkeitsauslass (12) am unteren Ende (1") bereitgestellt ist.
     
    13. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die ringförmige Fläche (50) eine untere Endfläche des Abscheideraums (2) bildet.
     
    14. Zentrifugalabscheider nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zentrifugalabscheider ebenfalls einen zweiten Flüssigkeitsauslass (11) umfasst, welcher im vorgelagerten Bereich des Gasauslasses (10) und im nachgelagerten Bereich des ersten Flüssigkeitsauslasses (12) zum Ablassen von abgeschiedenen flüssigen Verunreinigungen bereitgestellt ist und welcher mindestens ein Auslassloch (26) umfasst.
     
    15. Zentrifugalabscheider nach Anspruch 146, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der erste Flüssigkeitsauslass (12) einen Hauptauslass bildet und der zweite Flüssigkeitsauslass (11) einen Restauslass bildet.
     


    Revendications

    Revendications pour l'(les) Etat(s) contractant(s) suivant(s): AT, BE, CH, DK, ES, GR, IT, LI, LU, MC, NL, SE

    1. Séparateur centrifuge destiné à nettoyer un gaz contenant des impuretés liquides, dans lequel le séparateur centrifuge comprend

    - un boîtier fixe (1), qui renferme un espace de séparation (2) et a une surface de paroi interne (3) qui fait face à l'espace de séparation (2), dans lequel l'espace de séparation permet la circulation du gaz à travers celui-ci,

    - une entrée (9) pour le gaz à nettoyer,

    - un organe rotatif (4), qui est prévu dans l'espace de séparation (2) en aval de l'entrée (9) par rapport à la circulation de gaz et agencé pour effectuer une rotation dans un sens (r) de rotation autour d'un axe (x) de rotation, dans lequel l'organe rotatif (4) est adapté pour mettre le gaz en rotation dans le sens (r) de rotation pour séparer, au moyen de forces centrifuges, au moins une partie principale des impuretés liquides du gaz,

    - une sortie de gaz (10), qui, par rapport à la circulation de gaz, est prévue en aval de l'organe rotatif (4) pour la décharge du gaz nettoyé, et

    - une première sortie de liquide (12), qui est prévue pour la décharge des impuretés liquides séparées,

    dans lequel l'espace de séparation (2) comprend une surface annulaire (50), qui s'étend entre l'organe rotatif (4) et la surface de paroi interne (3), dans lequel

    la surface annulaire (50) est configurée pour transporter des impuretés liquides radialement vers l'extérieur jusqu'à la première sortie de liquide (12)

    caractérisé en ce que le séparateur centrifuge comprend un certain nombre d'éléments de guidage (51) prévus sur la surface annulaire (50) et agencés pour faciliter ledit transport, et dans lequel lesdits éléments de guidages (51), vus radialement vers l'extérieur, sont dirigés vers l'avant dans le sens (r) de rotation.


     
    2. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments de guidage (51) sont sensiblement droits, vus dans la direction de l'axe (x) de rotation.
     
    3. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments de guidage (51) sont courbés, vus dans la direction de l'axe (x) de rotation.
     
    4. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments de guidage (51) sont configurés en tant que nervures s'étendant vers le haut à partir de la surface annulaire (50).
     
    5. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-3, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments de guidage (51) sont configurés en tant que rainures s'étendant vers le bas à partir de la surface annulaire (50).
     
    6. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que chaque élément de guidage (51) a une première extrémité radialement interne (51') et une deuxième extrémité radialement externe (51"), dans lequel l'extrémité radialement externe (51") est située à proximité, mais à distance, de la surface de paroi interne (3) de sorte qu'un passage radialement externe est formé entre la surface de paroi interne (3) et l'extrémité radialement externe (51").
     
    7. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité radialement interne (51') est située à proximité, mais à distance, d'une extrémité interne annulaire de la surface annulaire (50) de sorte qu'un passage radialement interne est formé entre l'extrémité interne annulaire et l'extrémité radialement interne (51').
     
    8. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité interne annulaire de la surface annulaire (50) est définie par une surface environnante protégeant vers le haut (52).
     
    9. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la surface annulaire (50) est conique et inclinée vers l'extérieur et vers le bas.
     
    10. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la première sortie de liquide (12) comprend un canal de collecte annulaire (40), qui s'étend autour de l'espace de séparation (2) radialement à l'extérieur de la surface de paroi interne (3).
     
    11. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que la première sortie de liquide (12) comprend au moins un trou de sortie (41), qui s'étend entre l'espace de séparation (3) et le canal de collecte (40) et qui jouxte la surface annulaire (50).
     
    12. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le séparateur centrifuge est agencé pour être prévu de manière à ce que l'axe (x) de rotation s'étende sensiblement verticalement, dans lequel le boîtier fixe (1) a une extrémité supérieure (1') et une extrémité inférieure (1") et dans lequel la première sortie de liquide (12) est prévue au niveau de l'extrémité inférieure (1")
     
    13. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 124, caractérisé en ce que la surface annulaire (50) forme une surface d'extrémité inférieure de l'espace de séparation (2).
     
    14. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'organe rotatif (4) comprend un certain nombre de disques de séparation (7).
     
    15. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le séparateur centrifuge comprend également une deuxième sortie de liquide (11), qui est prévue en amont de la sortie de gaz (10) et en aval de la première sortie de liquide (12) pour une décharge d'impuretés liquides séparées et qui comprend au moins un trou de sortie (26).
     
    16. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 15, caractérisé en ce que la première sortie de liquide (12) forme une sortie principale et la deuxième sortie de liquide (11) forme une sortie résiduelle.
     


    Revendications

    Revendications pour l'(les) Etat(s) contractant(s) suivant(s): DE, FR, GB

    1. Séparateur centrifuge destiné à nettoyer un gaz contenant des impuretés liquides, dans lequel le séparateur centrifuge comprend

    - un boîtier fixe (1), qui renferme un espace de séparation (2) et a une surface de paroi interne (3) qui fait face à l'espace de séparation (2), dans lequel l'espace de séparation permet la circulation du gaz à travers celui-ci,

    - une entrée (9) pour le gaz à nettoyer,

    - un organe rotatif (4), qui est prévu dans l'espace de séparation (2) en aval de l'entrée (9) par rapport à la circulation de gaz et agencé pour effectuer une rotation dans un sens (r) de rotation autour d'un axe (x) de rotation, dans lequel l'organe rotatif (4) comprend un certain nombre de disques de séparation (7) et est adapté pour mettre le gaz en rotation dans le sens (r) de rotation pour séparer, au moyen de forces centrifuges, au moins une partie principale des impuretés liquides du gaz,

    - une sortie de gaz (10), qui, par rapport à la circulation de gaz, est prévue en aval de l'organe rotatif (4) pour la décharge du gaz nettoyé, et

    - une première sortie de liquide (12), qui est prévue pour la décharge des impuretés liquides séparées,

    dans lequel l'espace de séparation (2) comprend une surface annulaire (50), qui s'étend entre l'organe rotatif (4) et la surface de paroi interne (3), dans lequel

    la surface annulaire (50) est configurée pour transporter des impuretés liquides radialement vers l'extérieur jusqu'à la première sortie de liquide (12)

    caractérisé en ce que le séparateur centrifuge comprend un certain nombre d'éléments de guidage (51) prévus sur la surface annulaire (50) et agencés pour faciliter ledit transport, et dans lequel lesdits éléments de guidages (51), vus radialement vers l'extérieur, sont dirigés vers l'avant dans le sens (r) de rotation.


     
    2. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments de guidage (51) sont sensiblement droits, vus dans la direction de l'axe (x) de rotation.
     
    3. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments de guidage (51) sont courbés, vus dans la direction de l'axe (x) de rotation.
     
    4. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments de guidage (51) sont configurés en tant que nervures s'étendant vers le haut à partir de la surface annulaire (50).
     
    5. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-3, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments de guidage (51) sont configurés en tant que rainures s'étendant vers le bas à partir de la surface annulaire (50).
     
    6. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que chaque élément de guidage (51) a une première extrémité radialement interne (51') et une deuxième extrémité radialement externe (51"), dans lequel l'extrémité radialement externe (51") est située à proximité, mais à distance, de la surface de paroi interne (3) de sorte qu'un passage radialement externe est formé entre la surface de paroi interne (3) et l'extrémité radialement externe (51").
     
    7. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité radialement interne (51') est située à proximité, mais à distance, d'une extrémité interne annulaire de la surface annulaire (50) de sorte qu'un passage radialement interne est formé entre l'extrémité interne annulaire et l'extrémité radialement interne (51').
     
    8. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité interne annulaire de la surface annulaire (50) est définie par une surface environnante protégeant vers le haut (52).
     
    9. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la surface annulaire (50) est conique et inclinée vers l'extérieur et vers le bas.
     
    10. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la première sortie de liquide (12) comprend un canal de collecte annulaire (40), qui s'étend autour de l'espace de séparation (2) radialement à l'extérieur de la surface de paroi interne (3).
     
    11. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que la première sortie de liquide (12) comprend au moins un trou de sortie (41), qui s'étend entre l'espace de séparation (3) et le canal de collecte (40) et qui jouxte la surface annulaire (50).
     
    12. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le séparateur centrifuge est agencé pour être prévu de manière à ce que l'axe (x) de rotation s'étende sensiblement verticalement, dans lequel le boîtier fixe (1) a une extrémité supérieure (1') et une extrémité inférieure (1") et dans lequel la première sortie de liquide (12) est prévue au niveau de l'extrémité inférieure (1").
     
    13. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que la surface annulaire (50) forme une surface d'extrémité inférieure de l'espace de séparation (2).
     
    14. Séparateur centrifuge selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le séparateur centrifuge comprend également une deuxième sortie de liquide (11), qui est prévue en amont de la sortie de gaz (10) et en aval de la première sortie de liquide (12) pour une décharge d'impuretés liquides séparées et qui comprend au moins un trou de sortie (26).
     
    15. Séparateur centrifuge selon la revendication 146, caractérisé en ce que la première sortie de liquide (12) forme une sortie principale et la deuxième sortie de liquide (11) forme une sortie résiduelle.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



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    Patent documents cited in the description